What is Mentoring?
If you have received Learning Support in the past at school, college, sixth form or high school, you may already have some ideas about how you would like to be supported when you are at university. Think about what was useful to you and what worked well or helped you in that support, these could be things that you continue doing when at university with your new mentor. On the other hand, think about what might not have worked well or what you didn’t like in your previous support, what could be done differently now that you are at university?
We know that not all students have experienced support in their previous education at school or college so we have produced this list of ideas of what you might like to use your mentoring for. These are just some examples of what mentoring can be used for, mentoring is individual and based on your DSA Needs Assessment Report and discussion with your mentor. Mentoring changes and evolves over time based on what you need and you may cover many different aspects of these ideas throughout your time at university.
At Bridge Mentoring, we provide personalised, compassionate mentoring for individuals who need a safe space to explore challenges, build confidence, and develop practical strategies for everyday life. Our mentors work alongside each person at their own pace, offering guidance that is grounded in empathy, lived experience, and a deep understanding of neurodiversity, mental health, and social barriers.
We believe that everyone deserves support that feels human, consistent, and genuinely helpful — and our mentoring services are designed to offer exactly that.
What We Offer:
1. One‑to‑One Mentoring
Personalised support tailored to each individual’s needs.
Our mentors help with:
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emotional regulation and coping strategies
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confidence building and self‑esteem
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navigating daily challenges
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setting achievable goals
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developing independence
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managing overwhelm and stress
Sessions are flexible and can take place in person, online, or in the community.
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2. Neuroaffirming and Trauma‑Informed Support
We specialise in mentoring autistic, ADHD, and otherwise neurodivergent individuals. Our approach includes:
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sensory‑aware communication
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predictable, structured sessions
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support with executive functioning
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help breaking tasks into manageable steps
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strategies for managing overwhelm, transitions, and routines
We meet people exactly where they are — without judgement or pressure.
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3. Wellbeing & Emotional Support
We help individuals understand their emotions, build resilience, and develop tools to manage stress. This may include:
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grounding techniques
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self‑soothing strategies
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understanding triggers
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building healthy habits
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developing self‑advocacy skills
Our goal is to help people feel more in control of their wellbeing.
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4. Practical Life Skills Mentoring
Support with everyday tasks that can feel overwhelming, such as:
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planning and organisation
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time management
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budgeting and money confidence
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travel training
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accessing community services
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preparing for appointments
We focus on building independence in a way that feels safe and achievable.
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5. Education, Training & Employment Support
We help individuals navigate the next steps in their personal development, including:
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CV building and job applications
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interview preparation
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workplace confidence
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support with college or training transitions
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understanding strengths and challenges
Our mentors empower people to move forward with clarity and confidence.
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6. Parent/Carer Mentoring
We also offer guidance for parents and carers who want to better understand and support their loved one. This may include:
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communication strategies
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understanding neurodivergent needs
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emotional support
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signposting to services
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We’re here for the whole family, not just the individual.
EOTAS/EOTIS Mentoring
Bridge Mentoring provides specialist mentoring for children and young people receiving Education Other Than At School (EOTAS/EOTIS). We understand that every learner’s journey is different, and many young people accessing EOTAS need support that is flexible, trauma‑informed, and tailored to their individual needs.
Our EOTAS mentoring focuses on building trust, confidence, and emotional safety so that young people can re‑engage with learning at a pace that feels right for them. We work closely with families, local authorities, and professionals to ensure each young person receives consistent, meaningful support.
What EOTAS Mentoring Includes
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One‑to‑one sessions delivered at home, in the community, or online
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Support with emotional regulation, anxiety, and confidence
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Help rebuilding routines and structure
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Gentle re‑engagement with learning and personal goals
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Support with transitions, including returning to education or moving to new pathways
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A neurodiversity‑affirming approach for autistic, ADHD, and otherwise neurodivergent learners
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Collaboration with schools, SEN teams, and other professionals
Our mentors create a calm, predictable environment where young people feel heard, understood, and empowered. We focus on strengths, not deficits, and help each learner develop the tools they need to thrive both academically and personally.
What DSA Mentoring Includes
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Emotional and wellbeing support
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Help with managing stress, overwhelm, and academic pressure
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Strategies for organisation, planning, and time management
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Support with motivation, routines, and executive functioning
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Guidance on navigating university systems and expectations
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A safe, non‑judgemental space to talk through challenges
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Consistent, reliable sessions tailored to the student’s needs
Our goal is to help students feel capable, supported, and in control of their university experience. With the right tools and encouragement, students can build resilience, maintain balance, and achieve their academic goals.
